Oftentimes, being humble and polite is considered a sign of weakness. But this perception is not based on the deep understanding but on the superficial and usually prejudiced perception of the human behavior. However, if a humble person is analyzed closely and without prejudice, the perceived humility is usually a sign of deeply cultured roots hidden beneath the humble countenance.
Humility is not always a sign of wisdom and deep learning. There might be a lot of persons who are deeply learned and experienced but are not humble. For them, their learning results in steadfastness and ego. Though such persons are obeyed or feared, such reaction is superficial. Even a person who obeys or fears the egotist does not have a genuine respect for the latter. The obedience is for the position, authority or power but not for person.
On the other hand, there are people who are deeply learned, greatly experienced and highly cultured but are very humble and unassuming from the outside. They might not stamp their authority by force but they exude so much aura and good vibe that people around them naturally start showing respect to the person. Once there is respect, the obedience and following naturally happens. More importantly, such obedience and following is not conditional to the authority or power but the person. That means the respect and following continues irrespective of power & authority or lack of those.
In an age best with outward showmanship, fashion and exaggeration of one's even trivial accomplishments, personal humility and down-to-earth outlook of life are few and far between, a person with cultured humility is an asset for the society. A lot of people can be inspired and encouraged by such personalities. These humble people force even the most arrogant of those to look back at themselves and self-evaluate.
Today, I met a young academician in a respected management college. A young lady with valuable management degrees under her belt, she was very polite and down-to-earth. No doubt, deep culture and good grooming makes a person rooted and pragmatic. They know their abilities but do not flaunt it. They know their weaknesses and try to overcome rather than hide it. They show respect to others and rarely blow their own trumpet. The lady was one such person and by the sheer personality and humility she showed during almost an hour of interactions, I am sure she shall be a very successful human being in her chosen field of profession. I wish her every luck.
Once again, this encounter has reminded me of a beautiful and deep ancient adage in Sanskrit:
विद्या ददाति विनयम्, विनयाद्याति पात्रताम, ।
पात्रत्वा धनमाप्नोति, धनात् धर्मम् तत: सुखम् ।।
Meaning -
Education gives humility, humility leads to good personality and eligibility.
Eligibility and quality leads to wealth. Wealth leads to ability of altruism and that leads to happiness.
Humility is not a sign of weakness but of deep-rooted learning, culture and wisdom. It is a trait to be cherished, nurtured and respected.
Wed 27 February 2019, 14:03
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